by Sanguine »
09 Sep 2020 15:22
Silver Fox How did that work out for them?
They didn't need strength in depth? Last season seven players took part in at least 35 of their 38 league games. In 18/19 it was five, with three more playing at least 30.
I don't think anyone is questioning the effectiveness of their best 11/13/14 players. But they've gone two full seasons without losing Van Dijk, TAA, Robertson, Mane, Firmino or Salah for any significant length of time. That's a testament to the work of their fitness coaches of course, but by law of averages probably something that can't be sustained. Ironically/happily where they have had injury lay-offs, such as Henderson and Fabinho, they've had very good cover in the likes of Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain.
I wouldn't fancy them to keep up with City though if they had to play Origi up front for six months - or Milner and Williams at full-back.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what Klopp/FSG are doing, and that the likes of Jones and Williams and Elliott will get chances (Elliott should prove to be one hell of a player), but can't help but think that the club has missed a chance to double down on its success.